Interview Alison Stuart

by Elaine Cantrell

1) I know you were born in Africa, Alison. What was it like to live there?

I don’t think it really matters where you’re born. Your childhood revolves around your home and your parents and the wider, wonderful world really means very little to you. It is only as an adult looking back that you think how interesting and different your childhood was. However that said, Kenya around independence was not an easy place to live and there always seemed to be an undercurrent of danger or fear that permeated my life. In comparison Australia seemed like a golden country! Also Perth had three television channels that ran all day!

2) As an adult you’ve traveled quite a bit also. What’s your favorite place?

Tough question! I’ve been so fortunate with my life and every place I’ve visited has something different and special to offer. In the US I adored Washington and New Orleans, in Europe I have a great affection for England but would love to spend more time in the south of France and Tuscany and in Asia how do you compare the ruins of Angkor Wat with the marvelous Himalayas? But you know, of all the places I visit, Australia is still my very favourite place in the world. When we get a chance to escape into the outback or the bush, that is when both my husband and I feel at peace with the world.

3) You started writing at an early age. What was your favorite genre?

I’ve always loved historicals and still do, although my reading these days tends to be more crime mysteries. My favourite childhood author was the incomparable Rosemary Sutcliff. She brought history to life for me.

4) What does your writing schedule look like?

Ummm…what writing schedule?

5) Who’s your biggest supporter?

I think I have a whole team! My husband because he is so tolerant, my sons because they have to put up with having a romance writer for a mother and know way more about romance writers than any twenty year old guys should. My parents… because they’re my parents and my wonderful friends, particularly my Romance Writers of Australia friends because they really, really understand!

6) Do you have a favorite author? What’s so great about his or her work?

I have so many--Daphne du Maurier, Pamela Belle, Alexander McCall Smith! Perhaps if I name my favourite book instead? Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I bought my much-loved (and travelled) copy when I was 11 actually in Haworth where the Brontes lived and devoured it under the blankets with a torch. Having seen how the Brontes lived and understanding how autobiographical it was, it really had a profound effect on me. It also introduced me to the concept of the gothic romance and the importance of a “Happy Ever After”!

7) Tell us a little bit about your latest release, By The Sword. What prompted you to write it? What’s it about?

This is the book of my heart (all writers have one!). The book is centered on the battle of Worcester in 1651, the last battle of the English Civil War, which is my particular passion. It is an extraordinarily interesting period of history but not terribly well known or understood.

When I was 11 (same trip as the Jane Eyre book!) my grandfather took me to visit Harvington Hall near Kidderminster in Worcestershire. Something about the serene, red-brick, medieval, moated manor house captured my imagination and years later, when I found myself stuck in a ski chalet with a dislocated shoulder and a notebook computer, Harvington Hall became Seven Ways and Kate and Jonathan’s story finally came to life.

While it is not strictly speaking a prequel to The King’s Man, for any of my readers who fell in love with my flawed hero, Kit Lovell, he makes a fleeting appearance in By The Sword.

8) Are you working on anything right now?

I have several different works in progress at the moment and I really need to decide which one to concentrate on! There is a sequel to The King’s Man on the way and an earlier English Civil War novel that has character links with By The Sword.

9) How long does it take you to write a novel?

Way too long! I am a born procrastinator! (Just one more game of Spider and then I’ll do some writing!)

10) What’s one thing you’d like your readers to know about you.

That I love hearing from my readers!